24 July 2011 11:44:10
Loropetalum
I got a few weeks grace for my presentation on poisonous plants as I don't have to do it now until September which gives me more time to explore the fascinating subject. Thank you for the great suggestions and I was very interested to read the discussion on Rachels journal about Giant Hogweed. Definitely not one that I would want in my garden. However recently I did get a Viburnum rhytidophyllum, Ampelosis, Coronilla valentina and a purple leaved Loropetalum with lovely pinky red flowers. Loropetalum is totally new to me. Apparently it is related to Witch Hazel which you can see from the Spidery flowers. I've put it in a hanging basket for now as it has a drooping habit, with a Geranium, Pink leaved Fuschia, white Lobelia and some Rhodochiton (inspired by Bill's Wheelbarrow and Fran's comment on it below).
06 July 2011 10:22:50
Monkshood at the War Memorial Gardens
I have to do a presentation for my Horticulture course (I'm dreading it!). But I've decided to do it on poisonous plants and I'm looking for help. If anyone has anything they would like to share in relation to dangerous plants I would be much obliged. I know someone was growing deadly nightshade.....Jacinta! I'm focusing on native plants - such as Hemlock and water-dropwort, henbane etc, but also want to include ornamentals. I've heard of two poisoning incidents relating to autumn crocus and water dropwort, and of course there have been a few incidents with Mushrooms. Also, you wouldn't want to mix up tulip bulbs and onions - a long time ago at my Grannys a net of tulip bulbs from the back of the old dresser was mistakenly used as onions and apparently it was not pretty! I recently got the book 'Wicked plants' by Amy Stewart and it is an entertaining, if a little alarming read.